Golson threw for 259 yards and two TDs and also scored a rushing touchdown; in addition, he led Notre Dame with 56 rushing yards, the third-highest total of his career.

His rushing TD came on a 15-yarder that gave the Irish the lead for good at 17-14 late in the first half. The run capped off an eight-play, 70-yard drive.

His first TD passes capped off Notre Dame's first possession, and the second one came with 4:05 left in the third quarter for a 24-14 lead.

Golson already has seven TD passes and four TD runs this season; in 2012, when he guided the Irish to the national championship game, he had 12 and six, respectively. Golson also remained interception-free and helped the Irish to 395 total yards.

Notre Dame's defense had some shaky moments in the first half before clamping down in the second half.

The Irish are off next week and play Syracuse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sept. 27.

Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.